Child killed after loaded revolver found; Arkansas gun-safety expert urges adults to secure firearms

A 7-year-old boy in Jacksonville died after another child found a loaded revolver inside a home and fired it, authorities say. Deputies identified a 31-year-old man, Michael Deaver, who has been charged with manslaughter and multiple counts of endangering the welfare of a minor.

The shooting prompted local coverage and renewed public discussion about safe firearm storage. In a station interview, Nathan House, owner of the Arkansas Armory in Sherwood, described several storage options he sells, including diversion-style safes and cable locks that come with firearms when purchased.

House demonstrated products and said securing firearms is the responsibility of adults. “Hiding a gun is not the same thing as securing a gun,” he said, describing inner-drawer locks and combination safes and recommending cable locks for additional safety.

House also said safety education matters but that children should never be expected to be responsible for gun safety: adults must both secure weapons and talk to children about what to do if they encounter one.

The man charged in the Jacksonville case is being held in the county detention facility, authorities said. The transcript did not record comments from the defendant or his attorney. Local law enforcement continues its investigation.